Admission

School of Communication and Media

 


How to Apply - Overview

Applying for admission to the School of Communication and Media is a two-step process:

Step 1. Submit an application to Montclair State University–

To apply as an undergraduate or graduate student, go to:

Step 2.  Attend a School Interview or Portfolio Review – 

Following submission of the University application, applicants who qualify will receive an electronic invitation to schedule and attend an on-campus interview or portfolio review (depending upon the major) with the School of Communication and Media faculty.  The Major-specific Admission Guidelines provide information and preparation instructions for each of the academic programs.

The purpose of the on-campus appointment is for our faculty to learn more about you as a prospective student, including your educational and artistic background and career interests.  It is also an opportunity for you to learn more about our programs.

Interview and portfolio review sessions take place on the University campus and, depending upon the major, may include a tour of the production facilities. 

In requesting an appointment, applicants are encouraged to request the earliest time-slot available with special attention to the following:

  • Spring-semester applicants must request the earliest appointment date.
  • Fall-semester freshmen applicants should request a date no later than March (note: in order to be considered for on-campus housing and financial aid.)
  • Post-March dates are intended for late-applying transfers and University-enrolled students seeking to change their majors.

Directions to campus: Go to Directions. For those driving, parking is available in the Red Hawk Parking Deck (note: rates apply).  See  the campus map for all building locations.  (Appointment locations will be communicated to applicants.)

Note to Students living a far-away distance:  Students living far from the University may inquire about alternative arrangements to an on-campus appointment.

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Appointment Dates and Information Sessions

Applicants must first receive an interview invitation from the Office of Admissions before scheduling an appointment for a program in the School of Communication and Media.

Appointment Dates by Program

Communication (Communication and Media Arts, Health Communication, Public Relations, Organizational Communication)

  • Interview Dates:

    • January 30, 2013
    • March 27, 2013
    • May 29, 2013

Filmmaking

  • Portfolio Reviews, including a program information session, will take place in the afternoon on the following dates:
  • October 17, 2012
  • November 7, 2012 [POSTPONED TO NOVEMBER 14]
  • November 28, 2012
  • December 5, 2012
  • January 30, 2013
  • February 13, 2013
  • February 27, 2013
  • March 20, 2013
  • March 27, 2013
  • April 10, 2013
  • April 24, 2013

Television and Digital Media (Audio/Sound Design, Documentary, Electronic Journalism, Television Production)

  • Interviews will take place on the dates listed below, following a General Presentation of the program and Tour ofFacilities*
  • November 7, 2012
  • January 30, 2013
  • March 27, 2013
  • May 15, 2013

*Presentation/Tour-Only attendance (For non-applicants) -- While interviews are intended for INVITED APPLICANTS ONLY, prospective students who have not-yet-applied to the programs are welcome to attend the preliminary General Presentation segment. (They will be asked to depart following the presentation and before the interviews.) Non-applicants who wish to attend should go to the Presentation/Tour-Only Information/Registration Link.

Prospective Students are also welcome to visit on alternative days by calling ahead (973-655-7870.)

Appointment Follow-up

Following the on-campus appointment, the School of Communication and Media will forward its recommendation to the Undergraduate Admissions Office or Graduate School, which in turn will notify you of your admission status.  Notification is generally sent within three weeks following the appointment. (Please note that, in some cases, applicants may be placed on a waiting list.)

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Admission-Information Contacts

Questions regarding admission requirements for any programs within the School of Communication and Media may be addressed to the Admission Coordinators:

Questions regarding the University application may be addressed to:

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Currently-enrolled Students Changing Their Major

If you are currently enrolled at Montclair State University and wish to change your major to a program in the School of Communication and Media, you do not need to reapply to the University. Instead, it is recommended that you review the required course work for the respective major to help verify your interest in the program, then schedule an individual appointment with the Admission Coordinator.

Please bring a copy of your “Analysis of Academic Progress” report (printed from WESS) to your scheduled appointment.  During the interview you will be encouraged to ask questions about the program and discuss your reasons for choosing the major.

Following your interview, you will be advised whether you have been accepted into the major.  Appropriate forms for declaring the major will be submitted by the School administration to the Offices of Admissions or Academic Advising. You will subsequently be guided on courses for which to register during the first semester and assigned to an Advisor with whom you should meet prior to each semester’s course registration period.  Our objective is to assist you in achieving your academic goals and completing the program in a timely fashion.

(Refer to the Major-specific Admission Guidelines for additional instructions for preparing for your appointment.)

To schedule an interview appointment, go to:  Interview Appointment Scheduler

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Information Events for Prospective Students

We encourage all applicants and prospective students to visit the campus to learn more about our programs. Please visit the College of the Arts’ Office of Student Services and University–Campus Visitation web pages for useful information about additiona campus visit and Open House opportunities.

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Financial Aid and Scholarships

Applicants to the School of Communication and Media may qualify for the University’s Federal Work-Study program, student loans or scholarships.  For information regarding costs and Financial Aid, go to:

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Major-specific Admission Guidelines

 

The links below go to program-specific appointment-preparation guidelines.  

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Admission to: Communication and Media Arts (BA)

  • Applicants must indicate Communication and Media Arts (BA) when requesting a School appointment.
  • Please prepare a resume that includes relevant information about any of the following: 1) extracurricular activities; 2) community or military service; 3) work experience; 4) leadership positions; 5) recognition for intellectual, creative, or athletic talents; 6) technology and language skills. You will be notified via e-mail to submit this resume electronically once your interview has been scheduled.
  • The on-campus appointment will include a brief overview presentation of the School of Communication and Media and each of the academic programs followed by a Q&A.
  • During the interview portion of your visit we will explore your interests in the fields of communication and media, your understanding of the selected program, and your potential to make unique contributions to the intellectual and creative vitality of the School of Communication & Media both within and outside the classroom. Other qualities that may influence the admissions decision include motivation, professionalism, communication skills, and broad knowledge and curiosity about current affairs.
  • The entire visit will last between 1-2 hours.
  • Note: Submission of a portfolio is not required for this program, however, if choosing to submit such material, please submit a "copy" as it cannot be returned.

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Admission to: Communication Studies (BA)
 (Concentrations: Health Communication; Organizational Communication; Public Relations)

•   Minimum GPA eligibility:  3.0

•   Appointment Dates: See above

•   About the Appointment: 

o   Applicants must indicate Communication Studies (BA) and their intended concentration when requesting a School appointment.

o   Please prepare a resume that includes relevant information about any of the following: 1) extracurricular activities; 2) community or military service; 3) work experience; 4) leadership positions; 5) recognition for intellectual, creative, or athletic talents; 6) technology and language skills. You will be notified via e-mail to submit this resume electronically once your interview has been scheduled.

o   The on-campus appointment will include a brief overview presentation of the School of Communication and Media and each of the academic programs followed by a Q&A.

o   During the interview portion of your visit we will explore your interests in the fields of communication and media, your understanding of the selected program, and your potential to make unique contributions to the intellectual and creative vitality of the School of Communication & Media both within and outside the classroom. Other qualities that may influence the admissions decision include motivation, professionalism, communication skills, and broad knowledge and curiosity about current affairs.

o   The entire visit will last between 1-2 hours.

•   Note: Submission of a portfolio is not required for this program, however, if choosing to submit such material, please submit a "copy" as it cannot be returned.

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Admission to: Communication Studies Minor

  • Minimum GPA eligibility:  2.75

  • Appointments: No appointment is required for the Minor. Applicants instead must come to the School’s main office in Life Hall 050 to complete a “Minor Declaration” form. It is recommended that applicants carefully review the required course work for the Minor before signing up for the program.   

To schedule an interview appointment, go to: Interview Appointment Scheduler

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Admission to: Filmmaking (BFA)

  • Minimum GPA eligibility:  3.0
  • Portfolio Appointment Dates: See Appointment Dates and Information Sessions

  • About the Appointment:
    • Applicants must indicate Filmmaking (BFA) as their intended major when requesting the portfolio interview appointment. 

    • The portfolio interview is an opportunity to submit your artistic work as well as meet the faculty and learn more about the School of Communication and Media and Filmmaking major.

    • The submitted Filmmaking portfolio should consist of the items listed below (note: include your contact info and CWID student number on all submitted materials):

      1. Film/Video sample– e.g. a film or video you've made. (Note: Please do not bring videos that are solely editing exercises from a previous class or work you did not direct or write.  If your samples include collaborative works, please articulate your role in the production.)

        • Formats -- Works may be provided in a DVD format or on a flash drive.  (Be sure the formats are "playable" and don't require a password to access.  All discs or drives must be labeled with your name and title of the work.  Candidates may also provide links to films posted on the Internet.)

        • Candidates with no prior experience creating films or videos should make this known to the interviewers on the appointment date and instead submit the following assignment:  By renting or borrowing a camera (or using a cellphone with video capabilities), make a “portrait film” of yourself . . .but without showing yourself on camera. The edited piece should be 4-8 minutes in length.

      2. One-page biographical statement that describes who you are and your goals for studying Filmmaking. (Why do you want to study Filmmaking?  What do you perceive to be the relationship between film art and the world? What kinds of stories do you want to tell?)

      3. Creative-writing sample – e.g. a fictional short story, film script, documentary treatment, or an analytical paper you wrote in high school or previous college, with comments and grades from a teacher.  Writing samples should not exceed 10 pages in length.  Please bring a hard copy with you to the interview, no originals.

      4. Optional additional submissions –  Candidates may also submit additional artwork with their portfolios such as drawings, paintings, photography, sculpture or installation-art.  Large works should be provided in the form of digital images (JPEGs, PDFs or TIFF files) or photographic prints. 

      Please be prepared to leave your materials behind with the Review Committee.  Materials you wish to have-      returned must be accompanied by a self-addressed-stamped envelope.
  • The Portfolio-Interview Session: The Portfolio Interview Session will begin with a group informational presentation, including an overview of the Filmmaking program, tour of facilities and Q&A.  (Parents/guardians are welcome to attend.) Immediately following, applicants will meet individually with the committee of faculty members. Candidates will have opportunity to discuss their work and aspirations.  The overall experience will span 60-90 minutes.
  • Note to out-of-town applicants: Where long-distance travel for an in-person interview is prohibitive, the Filmmaking Program will accept portfolio materials by mail. Send to:

Filmmaking Program -- Admission Coordinator
School of Communication and Media
Life Hall 050
Montclair State University
1 Normal Ave.
Montclair, NJ 07043

Materials sent by mail should be copies, NOT originals, as the School cannot be responsible for the safety of one-of-a-kind work samples. If sending materials please call or 973-655-7471 to confirm their receipt. For materials to be returned, applicants must provide a self-addressed envelope with proper postage.

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Admission to: Television and Digital Media (BA)
(Concentrations: Audio/Sound Design;  Documentary; Journalism; Television Production)   

  • Minimum GPA eligibility:  3.0

  • Interview Appointment Dates: See above.

  • About the Appointment:
    • Applicants must declare their intended concentration within the Television and Digital Media major via the Student Appointment Scheduler. 
    • The on-campus appointment includes an interview which will explore your: (a) understanding of the curriculum; (b) job experience, if applicable; and (c) interest in the television and digital media field. 
    • Please bring a resume of extracurricular activities (e.g. jobs, volunteer work, organizations, student newspaper, sports teams, etc.), including any experience related to electronic media or related creative production.
    • Transfer applicants must bring copies of transcripts from all previous colleges attended (need not be sealed/official transcripts)
    • Note: Submission of a portfolio is not required for this program, however, if choosing to submit such material, please submit a "copy" as it cannot be returned.

    Appointment dates: Go to: Interview Dates and School Information Sessions

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Admission to: Public and Organizational Relations (MA)

  • Minimum GPA eligibility:  3.0
  • Overview: The M.A. in Public and Organizational Relations is appropriate for emerging and established professionals including those anticipating doctoral studies.

    Applicants are recommended to have completed an undergraduate major from a relevant humanistic or social scientific area of study such as anthropology, broadcasting, business, communication studies, journalism, political science, psychology, or sociology. Where necessary, students may look to improve their preparatory backgrounds by taking additional undergraduate courses before applying to the program.  (note: Graduate credit cannot be given for such courses.)

  • Applying to the Program: To apply to the program, please complete and submit an application to the Graduate School .

    In addition, submit the following with your application:

    • Essay - within your essay, please:

      • Identify your topical interests and long-term goals; and explain how your past experiences (educational, professional, etc.) have led you to these interests and goals.
      • Explain why you believe that this particular program—one that integrates concepts and practices pertaining to communication within and beyond organizations—will address your topical interests and help you to accomplish your long-term goals. Be specific with regard to course topics and the program’s overall design.
      • Considering your personal characteristics and life experiences, clarify what you are likely to contribute to this learning community. Use this opportunity to address anything about yourself that the faculty should know—things that might not be included in your formal application materials, but which will help to familiarize yourself to us.

    • Evidence of completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

      • Your GRE scores must reflect a minimum of 147 for each section.
      • Note: The GRE requirement is waived for applicants with a Master of Arts or Master of Science degree; GRE requirement is also waived for applicants who earned at least a 3.5 GPA in their undergraduate program of study.

    • A minimum of two Letters of Recommendation from academic sources:

      • Note: Applicants who have been out of an educational environment for a lengthy period may submit letters from professional sources.
  • Interview

    • Following completion of the application and submission of the above materials, applicants must contact the Graduate Program Coordinator (Dr. Todd Kelshaw)  to arrange for an on-campus interviewl  (Note: If distance is prohibitive, the interview can be mediated via Skype or telephone.)

    • Bring the following to the interview:
      • Sample of scholarly writing from an upper-level undergraduate course in the social sciences or humanities
      • Portfolio of professional written and/or visual materials
      • Resume
      • Copy of your transcript from previous colleges attended

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